You don't need any sailing or racing experience to participate (or watch) a special regatta this weekend.

The 11th annual 12-Ounce Regatta and celebration features sailboats made out of beer and soda cans.

It will be held from 9:30 to 7 p.m. Saturday at the Eastport Democratic Club, 525 State St., Annapolis.

Contestants must assemble their sailboats from materials provided in advance by the Chesapeake Outdoor Group, and then race them in a large pool of water.

There will be races for adults and kids, music, a silent auction, and food and beverages available for purchase. You also can buy a duck to race.

Racing space are limited and you must pre-register. Spectators are welcome to just show up and enjoy the fun.

For more information, visit http://www.chesapeakeoutdoor.org.

Canines & Cocktails

The annual Canines & Cocktails for a Cause Series continues from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Friday at the outside patio of the West Kitchen and Tavern at the Loews Annapolis Hotel, 126 West St.

This dog-friendly happy hour also will be held the last Friday of the month — Aug. 29, Sept. 26 and Oct. 31 — and it also includes a raffle. The theme this Friday is back to school.

Self-parking is available at the hotel for $5.

For more information, call 410-263-8683 or visit http://www.pawspetboutique.com.

This special event is not until a week from today, but we're sharing it with you now so you can make plans.

Annapolis Art Walk

The 24th annual Annapolis Art Walk will be held in galleries downtown, West Street and West Annapolis from 5 to 9 p.m. on Aug. 21.

The Annapolis Gallery Association invites you to this festive evening of enjoying the visual arts. More than 20 galleries will be participating while hosting new exhibits and featuring artists demonstrating their skills in various media. Also included will be live music and light refreshments.

Yellow balloons and yellow banners will be posted outside of all participating galleries, and maps and events listings will be available at each gallery.

For more information, call 410-267-7077 or visit http://www.artinannapolis.com.